Orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth and improve bite problems is commonly done for teens but can often be indicated for younger children and even adults. At our clinic, we highly recommend Orthodontic Braces as an effective intervention.

We believe children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7, regardless of how many teeth have erupted. Implementing Orthodontic Braces early can safeguard a child’s smile and circumvent additional dental issues down the road.

Reasons to Choose Orthodontic Braces

  • Tooth crowding

  • Significant spaces or gaps between teeth

  • Crossbite

  • Underbite or overbite

  • Management of missing teeth

  • Narrow palate or airway concerns

  • Improve tooth alignment and function

Orthodontic Braces on a girl in West Des Moines

Metal Braces

These are the most common form of braces. They are highly efficient at correcting complex bites and severely crooked teeth.

Braces are orthodontic appliances made of small brackets that are semi-permanently bonded to your teeth and a thin wire connecting them. The wire applies gentle but constant pressure to the brackets to gradually guide teeth into straighter positions. For optimal results, orthodontic braces are designed to move teeth and their roots at just the right place to avoid damaging the surrounding jawbone structure and tissues. This allows these structures to reform around your teeth roots in their new, straighter positions and successfully support them.

Clear Aligners

If you need to straighten crooked teeth but prefer a more discreet option to traditional metal braces, then you may be a good candidate for SureSmile clear aligners. SureSmile aligners are designed using advanced digital imaging technology, which helps ensure highly accurate measurements and precise treatment results in a faster and more streamlined manner. Because the treatment doesn’t rely on brackets and wires, straightening your teeth is a more comfortable and convenient process with clear aligners than it typically is with metal braces.

Orthodontic Braces on a patient in West Des Moines

Advantages to SureSmile Clear Aligners

  • Clear in color and esthetic

  • No metal

  • Removable

  • Easy to brush and floss

  • Comfortable movement

On average, orthodontic treatment can take up to 18-24 months, depending on the extent of your tooth misalignment.

Call us to schedule a consultation if you are concerned about your bite or crooked teeth.

Modern Dentistry, Gentle Care

Comfortable and Caring Dental Care for the Whole Family

After Dr Todd retired last month I was thinking of changing to a dentist in my town and close to home. Brighter Smiles called me to schedule an appointment since I was a month past due for my 6 month cleaning. I was too busy to investigate a local dentist and schedule. I am glad I did go ahead and schedule. I love the new owner/dentist. She is super sweet and made time to do my dental work that day. She saved me from taking more time off from work and from worrying about the procedure that needed to be done. Won’t be changing dentists!

Kimberly G., via Google

I was able to schedule an appointment one week out and staff was able to get me seated almost immediately when I arrived. Overall staff was friendly and Dr. Fulton was able to help me with a crown on a cracked tooth. I can’t say it’s always fun going to the dentist, but Bright Smiles Family Dentistry made it easy and conformable for me to get the work I needed to be done. Will be coming here for future dental needs.

Aaron F., via Google

I was a patient of Dr. Todd for years. He was great. Wasn’t sure what the experience would be like with a new dentist. I shouldn’t have worried. The staff stayed the same, and Dan’s replacement was warm and welcoming. The office was a bit quieter without Dan’s booming voice, but the dentistry was solid. I would recommend it to those looking for a new dentist.

Ann V., via Google

Very Friendly, fun to work with. The staff has always made us feel comfortable, the dental experience was easy and the treatment explained. No fears of going to the dentist here.

Jeff W., via Google